India Levels Test Series as Gill Shares Gambhir’s Winning Message

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India clinched a thrilling victory in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, defeating England by six runs to level the five-match series 2-2. Captain Shubman Gill credited head coach Gautam Gambhir’s motivational words for inspiring the team’s performance.

Gill revealed that ahead of the decisive match, Gambhir told the squad not to think of themselves as a young team but as a “gun team” capable of delivering under pressure. The message, according to Gill, helped shift the players’ mindset from focusing on inexperience to believing in their ability to compete at the highest level.

The Oval clash was a tense affair. India defended a target of 374 runs, bowling out England for 367. Mohammed Siraj starred with a five-wicket haul in the second innings, while Prasidh Krishna delivered crucial breakthroughs to turn the match in India’s favor.

India entered the final Test trailing 1-2 in the series. The win not only secured a draw but also highlighted the side’s resilience and determination. Gill praised his bowlers for holding their nerve in the final moments, calling the victory one of the hardest-fought in recent memory.

Speaking after the match, Gill said, “Gautam Gambhir told us not to think of ourselves as a young team, but as a gun team. That helped us focus on what we can do as a unit rather than worry about pressure or expectations.”

Gambhir, who took over as head coach in July 2024, has been steering the team through a transition period, with several senior players retiring or unavailable. His emphasis on mental toughness and team belief has been credited for India’s spirited fightback in the series.

The dramatic finish at The Oval closed out a memorable series marked by competitive cricket and standout individual performances. With the draw, India maintains its strong standing in the World Test Championship points table, while the team’s new leadership duo of Gill and Gambhir continues to make its mark.